Tortorella spoke on the defense and on Marian Gaborik’s debut in the lineup tonight.

On Alexei Semenov:

“I think he’s added some jam to our blue line, he’s moved the puck better than I thought he could. He’s been great in games as far as demeanor on the bench. He’s been a surprise. It’s kind of nice seeing a guy not wanting guaranteed money, just coming in and playing.”

Tortorella also spoke of wanting Marc Staal to join the offensive play more.

On Gaborik:

Just to get into some game situations,” Tortorella said. “These next three, you start playing against more NHLers, especially the last two. Just for his timing and just for in the locker room, how we do it, our meetings, because he’s new. I think it’s important for him and he realizes that.”

Torts said that he wants to trim the roster down a little more before Thursday’s game.